Defensive politics
It’s only nine days from the elections but both the main contenders for power have yet to present a comprehensive political plan for the country. Neither New Democracy nor PASOK have come up with an interesting proposal during their campaigns. Costas Karamanlis and George Papandreou are both seeking a political mandate without having taken a stance on the key issues dogging the country. Any commitments relate to handouts and nothing but handouts. Karamanlis is obviously trying to get to the elections without too much fuss. That’s why he called a snap poll while most voters were enjoying their traditional summer holidays. That’s why he imposed a brief campaign period. That’s why he did not bother presenting a new party program, saying that the 2004 manifesto had an eight-year horizon. That’s why he declined a second debate between the two leaders. That’s why he conducted a pre-election campaign not as leader of ND but behind the mantle of premier. He believes that ND enjoys a lead and is favorite to win the election, but his party looks like a soccer team playing defensively to hang on for a 1-0 victory. On their part, the Socialists look like a team that never really tried to win the game. But in the final minutes, they are throwing everything but the kitchen sink to score a goal. Although the bond scandal and the wildfires dealt heavy blows to the ruling party, PASOK has failed to capitalize on the damage. Papandreou is trying to discredit his opponent but he must still enhance his party’s appeal. PASOK does have a manifesto, but it is vague and narrow in scope – and socialist cadres certainly seem to be campaigning without it in mind. The government’s ineptitude in tackling the wildfires has taken its toll but that won’t be enough to give PASOK an election victory. Protest votes have rarely cost a government a second tenure.
